Woman, 34, dies after 'unprovoked attack' in Birmingham city centre

by · Mail Online

A woman who was stabbed in the neck in a seemingly random attack in Birmingham city centre has now died, police have confirmed.

Katie Fox, 34, was rushed to hospital with a serious neck injury after being knifed at the Smallbrook Queensway shortly before 9pm on Friday.

West Midlands Police said today the woman ‘has since tragically died in hospital’.

Djeison Rafael, 21, appeared before Birmingham Magistrates' Court today charged with Ms Fox's murder, as well as two counts of actual bodily harm, possession of a Stanley knife and assaulting of an emergency worker.

He appeared in court wearing a grey t-shirt and spoke to confirm his name, date of birth and address. 

The court heard he has been charged with actual bodily harm against Hailing Du on November 7 and a further count of actual bodily harm against Mariamo Sow, which allegedly took place a week earlier, on October 27. 

Rafael is also accused of assaulting a police detention escort officer the day after the alleged murder, on November 8. 

District Judge John Bristow remanded Rafael in custody to appear before Birmingham Crown Court on November 12.  

Appealing for further information today, West Midlands Police said Rafael was wearing a grey tracksuit, black hat, trainers and rucksack at the time of the fatal stabbing on Friday. 

Police said specially trained officers were supporting the victim’s family.

A 34-year-old woman was stabbed in the neck in an 'unprovoked attack' in Birmingham city centre on Friday night. Picture from the scene 
The victim, aged in her 30s, suffered a 'serious injury' and was rushed to hospital in a critical condition, but she has since died

The force said in a statement today: ‘We are still keen to hear from anyone who knows more about what happened or the movements of Rafael, who we believe was wearing an all-grey tracksuit, black hat, trainers and rucksack on Friday evening.’

Extra officers will also be around Birmingham city centre to offer reassurance, according to the force.

The attack, which unfolded just yards from Birmingham New Street station, was the third reported stabbing in the city centre in just over a month.

Two 17-year-old boys were knifed outside a Primark store within the space of a week in October.

In the lead up to one of the assaults, about ten men were said to have been involved in a fight near the city's famous bronze bull sculpture.

Witnesses or anyone with information have been asked to contact West Midlands Police by calling 101 and quoting log 5503 of November 7.